Weather News

What is an average cyclone season?

Australia is expected to see a near-average number of tropical cyclones this season, which would be more than the last few years.

The 2017/18 Tropical Cyclone Season outlook was released by the Bureau of Meteorology on Monday.

In the absence of any strong climate drivers influencing Australia's weather (such as La Nina or El Nino), there are no indications that tropical cyclone numbers will stray far from the norm this year.

So, what is the normal number of cyclones?

There are typically 11 or 12 tropical cyclones in the Australian region during the cyclone season, which runs from November to April. On average, four cyclones make landfall in Australia and the first coastal crossing usually occurs during December, in the absence of El Nino and La Nina.

Last season had a slow start but finished strong and ended up with eight named tropical cyclones between November and April. This more than doubled the previous season's total of three named cyclones, which was the lowest on record for the Australian region.

During the 2014/15 season, there were eight named cyclones in our region between November and April and a rare winter cyclone in July.

The 2013/14 season was the last time cyclone numbers reached double digits in Australian waters, with 10.

Based on yesterday's cyclone outlook, this season has the potential to be Australia's most active in 3-4 years.

It only takes one cyclone to threaten lives and property, so now is a good time to prepare for the season ahead if you live in a cyclone-prone part of Australia.